Gov. Gary Herbert left the White House on Tuesday thinking he might have to prepare two state budgets — one if the nation tumbles over the so-called fiscal cliff and one if it doesn't.
Utah currently is looking at $420 million in new growth for the coming budget year. But state economists estimate Utah would lose not only that but another $500 million if Congress and President Barack Obama don't reach an agreement on spending cuts, tax rates and other financial issues, Herbert said.
Herbert, who will release his proposed 2013-14 budget in a week or so, said he wants to use the new money for public education, infrastructure and health and human services.
If Washington fails to do something in the next month, "we would have to go back to cutting, and the belief is we would go back into a recessionary economy," he said.
Herbert was among six governors —both Republicans and Democrats — who met with Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and their economic advisers. They also sat down with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, and House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio. The governors are members of the National Governors Association executive committee. Deseret News
